Meet Gaida Demotte

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gaida Demotte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gaida below.

Gaida , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

What helped me overcome this was a focus on three key actions:
1. Leveraging Transferable Skills: I reminded myself that problem-solving, creativity, and project management were as valuable in digital projects as in architecture.
2. Learning Continuously: I embraced every opportunity to learn, whether through courses, mentorship, or collaboration with experts.
3. Recognizing My Growth: Over time, I learned to celebrate my progress and acknowledge that my perspective brought unique value to the projects I led.

These efforts not only helped me find my place in the digital world but also gave me the confidence to co-found my own business, Gaida & Steph Inc. Today, I see imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and proof that I am continuously challenging myself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally, I balance two dynamic roles. At Cossette, I serve as a Product Director, leading teams of digital project managers and overseeing multiple accounts for a diverse range of clients. My role involves ensuring successful project delivery while fostering collaboration and innovation within my teams.

My journey into the digital world is unique. I started as an architect and urban planner, fields that taught me the importance of combining creativity, structure, and a user-focused approach. These skills became invaluable when I transitioned into digital product management, 10 years ago, where I lead teams to create web solutions that connect people with brands in meaningful ways.

In parallel, as co-founder of Gaida & Steph Inc., I focus on growing our client portfolio and providing strategic digital consulting. My husband, Stephane, the senior web developer, handles the technical side, and together we create user-centric websites aligned with our clients’ brand goals.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create digital solutions that truly make an impact, whether by helping clients connect with their audience or by delivering innovative user experiences. Moving forward, I’m committed to driving excellence in digital product delivery and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital space.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I believe three qualities have been crucial to my journey: empathy, generosity, and organization.

1. Empathy: Whether interacting with clients, colleagues, or team members, the ability to truly understand their perspectives and needs has been invaluable. It allows me to create better digital solutions and build stronger relationships. My advice to those early in their journey is to actively listen and seek to understand others—it’s a skill that deepens over time and leads to more meaningful outcomes.

2. Generosity: Being generous with my time, knowledge, and support has not only helped me build a strong network, but it’s also opened doors for collaboration and growth. To those just starting out, I encourage you to share what you know and help others whenever you can. Generosity creates a foundation of trust and long-term success.

3. Organization: Juggling multiple roles and projects requires a high level of organization. Being able to prioritize, plan effectively, and stay focused has helped me manage my responsibilities efficiently. My advice here is simple: develop systems that work for you early on, whether through tools, time management techniques, or delegating tasks when possible.

By focusing on these qualities, you build a strong foundation for growth and success, both personally and professionally.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The People Who Helped Me Overcome Challenges and Grow

Several people have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills I needed to succeed.

1.Elisabeth Deschênes: As the president of ZA Communication, Elisabeth gave me my first opportunity in the marketing agency world when I was still an architect. She took a chance on me, which set me on a path I never could have imagined at the time.

2. Eric Hamelin: co-founder of Akufen agency, my previous employer, he trusted me with responsibilities that pushed me to grow professionally. His mentorship and belief in my potential helped me navigate the complexities of digital projects and develop my leadership skills.

3.Jean-Hugo Fillon, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Cossette, continues to challenge me, providing opportunities to expand my expertise in the digital space. His constant support and guidance have been key in my evolution, pushing me to continuously improve and adapt to new challenges.

These individuals have shaped my career in profound ways, and I am incredibly grateful for their influence and guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gaidaandsteph.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaidaandsteph
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gaidaandsteph/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaidademotte
• Twitter: https://x.com/GaidaSteph
• Other: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gaida-and-steph

  (My company’s page)

Image Credits

Cossette’s photographer (only for my profile picture)